If you’re an architect, contractor, or manufacturer searching for a versatile, fuerte, and cost-effective metal solution, steel flattened expanded metal is worth considering. Unlike welded or woven mesh, it’s made from a single metal sheet—making it more durable and less likely to break. This guide covers everything from its products and manufacturing process to real-world applications, helping you choose the right mesh for your project.
1. Steel Flattened Expanded Metal Products: Types for Every Need
Steel flattened expanded metal comes in various materials and forms to fit different industries. Picking the right product ensures it performs well and lasts long:
| Product Type | Características clave | Usos comunes |
|---|---|---|
| Flattened carbon steel expanded metal sheet | Asequible, fuerte (1–6mm thick) | Walkway grating, machine guards |
| Galvanized flattened expanded metal | Resistente al óxido (zinc-coated) | Outdoor security screens, HVAC filters |
| Flattened stainless steel expanded metal | Corrosion-proof (304/316 calificación) | Equipo de procesamiento de alimentos, marine applications |
| Flattened expanded metal rolls | Continuous lengths (1–3m width) | Proyectos a gran escala (P.EJ., warehouse walls) |
| Custom-cut flattened steel expanded mesh | Tailored to size/shape | Architectural facades, custom machine parts |
Ejemplo real: A warehouse usedgalvanized flattened expanded metal to make security screens for its loading docks. The screens resist rust from rain and keep thefts down—they’ve lasted 8 years without needing replacement.
2. Fabricación & Flattening Process: Cómo se hace
Steel flattened expanded metal starts as a solid steel sheet and goes through a precise process to create its unique mesh shape:
- Expansion: Primero, a solid steel sheet is fed into an expansion machine. Sharp blades cut slits in the sheet, then rollers stretch it to create diamond-shaped openings. This makes “raised” expanded metal (with uneven strands).
- Cold-Roll Flattening: The raised mesh is sent through cold-roll flattening máquinas. These rollers press down on the raised strands to create a smooth, flat surface—this step gives it the “flattened” name.
- Level & Stretch Leveling: Próximo, the mesh goes through level and stretch leveling lines to fix any warping. This ensures the sheet lies flat, which is critical for walkways or facades.
- Surface Smoothing: The flattened mesh is polished to smooth out any rough edges on the strands. This prevents cuts during installation and improves the look.
- Edge Trimming: Finalmente, edge trimming after flattening removes uneven edges to create clean, straight sheet sizes (P.EJ., 4ft×8ft). Throughout the process, tension control keeps the mesh from tearing or stretching too much.
Para la punta: Cold-roll flattening doesn’t weaken the steel—since it’s made from a single sheet, it’s stronger than welded mesh (which can break at weld points).
3. Mesh Geometry & Presupuesto: Understanding the Numbers
To choose the right flattened expanded metal, you need to know its key specs. These terms describe the mesh’s size and shape:
| Term | Definición | Example Values |
|---|---|---|
| SWD (Short Way of Diamond) | The shorter distance across each diamond-shaped opening | 6mm, 12mm, 25mm |
| LWD (Long Way of Diamond) | The longer distance across each diamond-shaped opening | 12mm, 24mm, 50mm |
| Strand Thickness | How thick the metal strands (the parts around the openings) are | 1mm, 3mm, 5mm |
| Strand Width | How wide each metal strand is | 2mm, 4mm, 8mm |
| Open-Area Percentage | How much of the mesh is open (VS. solid metal) | 30%, 50%, 70% (higher = more airflow/light) |
| Weight per Square Foot | How heavy the mesh is (important for shipping and installation) | 1.5 lbs/sq ft, 3 lbs/sq ft, 5 lbs/sq ft |
Ejemplo: A walkway needs mesh with small openings (SWD 6mm) and thick strands (3mm) to prevent slips. A facade might use larger openings (SWD 25mm) to let light through.
4. Mecánico & Structural Properties: Why It’s Strong
Steel flattened expanded metal is surprisingly strong—its unique design (single sheet, no welds) gives it great structural performance:
| Propiedad | Valores típicos (Carbon Steel Flattened Mesh) | Advantage Over Welded Mesh |
|---|---|---|
| Resistencia a la tracción | 450–600 MPa | 20–30% stronger (no weak weld points) |
| Fuerza de rendimiento | 300–400 MPa | Higher than raised expanded metal (350 MPa vs. 280 MPA) |
| Resistencia al impacto | Withstands 10 J of force (no cracking) | Doesn’t break easily if hit (P.EJ., by tools) |
| Load-Bearing Capacity | 500–1,000 lbs/sq ft (for thick strands) | Safe for walkways (supports worker weight) |
| Fatigue Life | Lasts 10^6+ load cycles (no failure) | Good for high-traffic areas (P.EJ., factory floors) |
Ejemplo real: A factory usedflattened steel expanded metal walkway grating (3mm strands, SWD 12mm) for its overhead catwalks. The grating supports 800 lbs/sq ft—workers can walk on it with tools without worrying about it bending.
5. Surface Treatments & Finishes: Boosting Durability & Look
Steel flattened expanded metal can be treated with different finishes to improve rust resistance, apariencia, o agarre:
- Hot-Dip Galvanized: The mesh is dipped in molten zinc. This creates a thick, rust-resistant layer—great for outdoor use (P.EJ., security screens, garden fences).
- Powder-Coated: A dry powder is sprayed on the mesh, then baked to form a hard coating. It comes in colors (negro, gris, rojo) and is ideal for architectural facades or indoor machine guards.
- PVC-Coated: A soft PVC layer is wrapped around the strands. This adds grip (good for walkways) and resists chemicals—used in food processing plants.
- Mill Finish: No extra coating—just the natural steel surface. It’s affordable and works for indoor projects (P.EJ., HVAC filters, indoor machine guards).
- Electropolished: The mesh is polished with electricity to create a shiny, superficie lisa. Used for stainless steel mesh in clean rooms (P.EJ., pharmaceutical labs).
Ejemplo: A restaurant usedelectropolished stainless flattened mesh for its kitchen hood filters. The smooth surface is easy to clean, and it resists corrosion from grease and water.
6. Aplicaciones & Industrias: Where It Shines
Steel flattened expanded metal is used across industries because it’s versatile, fuerte, y asequible. Aquí están sus mejores usos:
- Construcción: Flattened steel expanded metal walkway grating for bridges, fábricas, and warehouses—safe, slip-resistant, and easy to install.
- Arquitectura: Architectural façade flattened mesh panels add a modern look to buildings. A hotel in Chicago used custom-cut mesh for its facade—it lets light in and reduces energy costs.
- Security: Security screens flattened expanded metal for windows, puertas, and loading docks—hard to cut through (better than wire mesh) and rust-resistant.
- HVAC: HVAC filters flattened steel mesh catches dust and debris in air ducts. The open-area design lets air flow freely (no blockages).
- Fabricación: Machine guards flattened steel grilles protect workers from moving parts (P.EJ., cintas transportadoras). They’re easy to see through, so workers can monitor machines.
La perspectiva de la tecnología de Yigu
En la tecnología yigu, Recomendamossteel flattened expanded metal for clients needing strength and versatility. We supply custom-cut mesh for architectural and industrial projects—for example, Hicimosstainless steel flattened expanded metal for a food plant’s conveyor guards, which resist corrosion from cleaning chemicals. We also offer galvanized and powder-coated options, and help clients choose the right SWD/LWD for their needs—ensuring the mesh works well and fits their budget.
Preguntas frecuentes
- Is steel flattened expanded metal slip-resistant?
Yes—especially if it has a textured finish (like PVC-coated) or small SWD (6–12mm). For walkways, choose mesh with 3mm+ strand thickness and a rough surface to prevent slips. - Can it be painted?
Yes—if it has a mill finish or galvanized finish. Primero, clean the mesh with a degreaser, then use a high-adhesion metal paint. Powder-coated mesh can’t be painted (the powder coating is too hard). - How do I choose the right SWD/LWD?
For safety (P.EJ., walkways), use small SWD (6–12mm) to prevent feet from slipping through. For airflow/light (P.EJ., facades, filters), use larger SWD (25–50mm). For strength, pick thicker strands (3mm+).
